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GIFT$“@ fiour coupons

‘All ll! OWN W081i" MAKES‘

IISENTS MOrtE PRECIOUS

By Irene Urlllihilk

{hop windows in EflKl-Bnd l" Christmas time are generally full g] beautiful presents one might bu; u only the clothing coupon problem were not quite so acute. But even this dlfliculty is belni overcome with a little ingenuity.‘ Here are some suggestions being yellowed in the Old Country for useful gifts which any person with deft fingers can easily make.

DGIBAI- PmrvlmL

u. ‘path/Q gift. Materials reqlllml us a half shoe: of cranes or b!“ poster paper. ‘WW-Ill! DIP". ""1!" stamps. also and clea. varnish. Measurements oi the blottcr are 12 inches by I inches. W!‘ "l? cover, rule out an oblong 16 inches by l2 inches an the pester Dlbcr. cut it out cmafully and 101d 1!!

two. _

The inside sheets of biottinl PIP- er are cut into lengths l5 1-3 Inch" by 11 1-3 incues; thcsr are also voided in two and placed inside the cover. Thread s needle with em- broidery silk and attach all i116 sheets together in the middle of m, 101d with a long stitch taken to the outside and tied MET-ll’- The blotter is now mndy for the stamp decoration. Rule a 999°" line half an inch lnsloe the outer edge round the sides and top. Leave a margin of about na. inch M the bottom.

Now paste the stamps within this outline, avoiding a perfectly straight [Qrmatioip few of the stamp! can be placed in a slanting position “m; the poster paper allowed to show through here and there

rxave a small triangle at the right bottom corner. for nerc the word “Blotter” is to be written very neatly.

when all the stamps have been well arranged and pasted.- allow me my“ m dry then paint over them with size. which n ust be quite

COSY SANDALS: A pair oi cosy sandals makes an ‘meal gift and no duiiciiiiy will be found in making the ones shown in the sketch-

Diagram A is the pattern for the sandal uppers (size 4 fitting). Copy this shape on t0 paper. mak" ing each square l 1-2 inches. Then “i; out, the paper pattern. Should a. size 5 or 6 fitting b’ "Gulf"!- allow 1-4 to 1-2 inch more on the outside all round.

A piece of grey carpet felt. l2 inches by 24 inches. is required i0!‘ the uppers. If fleecy soles are un- obtainable tho carpet felt can be used; but for this, allow s. further small length or 8 inches by l2 inches. An odd piece of silk from m; worlpbmg may be used for the

lining.

rbui in two the 1am rim OI felt, lsy on the pattern and cut round the edges. tit-en cut out. the lining. A: the felt does not fray “ma, gums arc no‘. necessary.

‘hck the lining almost to meet the tap edges of the felt in all four Nasal. and mschire. Sew the straps, which are double and re- qum no llnlns. lord-h"-

An old pair of mles can serve as g pattern if the felt is to be used for soles. IMld the small length in two, and cur. out.

Raw plloe together the sols and front upper of one saudaluwlbnl aid; out; marl: the centre point and tack carefully round the edic- Overlew neatly. Do the back sec- tion in the same manner. Now turn the sandal carefully inside out and attaoh straps to the back part of the sandal u shown in llltoh B. Fhstenings are not nec- aiy, because the foot is slipped through the strap.

complete the second sandal in the same wsy. Two gailv WWW“! buttons are used as decoration. 0m h! each slipper and 10nd 818m ltltches us worked in a semi- efrele round the ledges.

RAINBOW STAMP BLOFITEB: A blotter whose cover is brightly ornamented with foreign stamps in

dry batons the filial coat of clear varnish is thinly and evenly applied. This last application should not be omitted, because the varnish brlnB-‘l up the colour of the stamps and prevents any from peellfl! °H~ Stamps left over can be used in

knotty TELLS ~wu0 i “WEARS ms mow/sans"

Christmas. With The Gypsies

(The Christmas i ypsy Version By Aflhur Ntfllston)

Throughout the centuries, the wandering Romanies havipreserv- ed a number oi Christmas tradi- tions and legends of their own This Yuletide, as for hundreds of years. the gypsles of Europe will be celebrating the anniversary of Christ's birth with unlque customs The ass figures prominently in some of the nomadic Yuletide ster- ies, not merely because it is the gypsies‘ beast of burden, but also because it was upon such an anlvmal that Christ rode into Jerusalem. The gypsy will tell you that. in the past. the donkey was not the oft-derided animal it is today. It was the steed of the weil-tu-dn. ridden by princes and the wealthy. Hence (they say) Christ's cholco of such a beast upon which to make his triumphal entry. lt sig- nified His sovereignty.

So at Yuletide today manv gyp- sies give their asses special atten- tion. In some parts of Europe and the Near East. the Romania: -cnn-

H _

a indicate whether man 0r Well is to "rule the roost" during the next twelve months.

If the leaves bear spikes, the husband will be "king of the cas- tleg" if they are splkeiess, the wife will “wear the trousers."

Considerin the length of the Journey accompll-shed by the Wise Men, it Is not surprising that many Romsnles believe that the travel- lers were assisted on their" way by gyplles. One SYN)’ flcmi-llli T5‘ lates that when the Wise Men reached Bethlehem. they were per- plexcd and disappointed to find '10 evidence of a momentous evcnt in the village.

They were about to move on, when a strange flower. raycd like the Star that had led them, caught their gaze. It grew beside the stable outside an inn. and u: the Ilse Men stepped Inside they realized that their quest was end- ed. -

To this day, Romanies in the Near East regard the Chrysarthe- mum as a sacred Christmas flower. for they say that it was the flower

sider it unlucky to sit down to their own Christmas dinner uni-ll thelr_‘donkeys have been fed

Mules. however, must go gry, since it is a gypsy belief that our Lord would have used one of these animals. had he not been re-

various other ways. A small 81885 ashtray covered beneath with stamps and then lacqu-lrtd- milk" an unusual present. Small, glass howls treated in- the same manner are very decora ive Parchment took-markers. book covers and even lampshades can be 8W0" u" “m” type of decoration The cost is negligible and the results are most attractive.

CANDY JARS: screw-asp glass pickle jars, made in many different shapes. can be transformed into really delightful containers for such things as tea or biscuits “vith the aid of sealing wax and enamel.

Jams should ‘be perfectly clean and dry before the outside decor- ations are rtttelnpttd The square type of pickle jar is really the best shape. Its sides being. flat, it lends itself more readily :0 d coratlon.

The screw top is rst painted cvcr with blue enamel and set aside to dry. I-Iest a stick cf deep blue sealing wax over tne flame of a spirit lamp. lean the Jar on its side and when the wax is not, drop s small blob on the glass side to fiorm a petal. Allow forur or five pettsls to each flower. The second side is done in the same‘ As the wax dries almost instantly the leaves can then be painted in with lead green enamel.

SEALING WAX BROOCH: A sealing wax brooch makes moi-her delightful remembrance. Brooch mounts can still be obtained in some shops ind. they are quite cheap so l! vou are lucky "M1831 to get one you cnn make an un-

fused the opportunity. The IYYP’ sies will tell you that this in why the donkey has a cross on its back. while the mule has no such mark- lniz.

The nmnadic tribes have their own stories, too, to account for some Christmas customs which are widely popular. Burning faggot: of ash is a rite observed by non- gypsles as well as by Ronmnies, but theflgypslss continue the custom because they believe that the stable at Bethlehem was warmed by fa fire of ash wood.

In parts of Macedonia there are those who declare that the Wise Men found Mary and her Child beside such a fire in the open. and not in a stable. In many countries. at any rate, the Romany Christ- ma: fire is kept burning with notb! lng other than ssh targets. Short- ly before Christmas Day. a big stock of ash wood is got together —sufflcent to last until the end of the festivities.

The use of holly as a Christmas deconatlon is a widespread custom. of course. but the Romanles have their own version of its origin. Their legend states that gypsies hid the Christ child in gholly bush. when Herod ordered the slaying of all children under two years in Bethlehem. _ _

As a reward for its part in ssv- ing the Child's life, the holly free was henceforwsrd allowed fo re"- maln green throughoutthe year The gypsles in some OOUIIITEGS ac- count for the evergreen pine and ivy similarly.

A further gypsy belief ll that the variety of holly used to decor- ate the encampment or home will

fairly thick layer of black sealing wax. When ‘s has been entirely covered. pass the mount to and fro over the flame of the lump to m- sure that the wax ls quite even

Now drop small spots of cherry red wax in ths centre and. using s bodkin, model a tiny flower from each blob. The sketch will give you an idea for n suitable type of de- sign. Should the wax harden too quickly. heat. the bodkln in the flame and continue. Leaves are then modelled, at each side in green sealing wax and the little brooch is complete.

common brooch

every colour, make; a useful and

Although we ore unable to show you as complete a line cs we would like, due to delay in shipments, nevertheless if wIII pay you f0 drop in and ue our IIM of practical gifts that

will suit any household.

IRONS

The very latest in Electric from. ‘A labor saving gift. TOASTEIS COFFEE. MAKERS FLASHLIGHTS formic mouocurus

’ .t+.;;wu~» ivsrsas

First cover the mount with s.

Radio Repairs

Ws are qualified to make If your

all Radio repairs. radio needs fixing m m» ‘serve your needs promptly and efficiently.

wont tau/marten

-ro Amvr-

We are expecting‘ daily I

shipment of ladies, Refriger-

sfon and Washing Machines, km us‘ luvmub

“statuses. s.

(Copyright: NJKL.)

HOTPLATES

See our selection of both double and single plum. A handy convenient gift Nfor any household;

aunts crsx um: nrconn humus r AUTOMATIC‘ ucotn cot/mom

rvicei

mxsur sr.

[Qstrods forth.

which marked Christ's birthplace. It ls not very remarkable, either. that other gypsy Christmas tradi-

l"m"tions centae round Mother Nature.

since the nomadic tribes are de- pendent upon the things she pro- vides. Thus, Romany children who solicit Christmas gifts from Rou- manian farmers usually begin re- pcatlng:

May you liva may you flourlsh_ Like apple tree,‘ like pear tre: In Springtime. Like golden autumn. In all things plentiful.

To the gypsies if, is attributable the survival of still another Christ- mas custom on the European Can- tinent. They regard December 26th not as Boxing Day. but as the Day of 5t, Stephen, patron saint of horses. St. Stephen was a medieval cleric who rode through EHTOpE curing ailments. and his deeds are

monies who own horses.

On St. Stephen's Day they lake part In a rltc which is claimed to ensure that the animals will re- main free from disease during the coming year.

Th9 lwrscs are first well gallop- ed, and then a blood-letting cere- mony takes place. The custom has been observed for hundrcds of years. and at one time it was orac- tlsed in Britain. too. But today lt.ls nc-rnetuated _onl,v by th=. By?" slcs of Central Europe.

Perhaps the most entertaining story in oynsy Christmas lore Is one which is claimed In account for our Christmas stocking cus- tom. It tells how the RoW-anies being Wanderers. found ves overlooked when good St Nich. olas (or Santa Claus) was dlstribuf- lnv. gifts to the ‘needy.

Bo that they would not be bass- ed by again, they decided to hang purses on trees near their encwmp- meml Tn those days. Durses were knitted with wool. and were llkc a long bag tied at one end.

But manv gypsles were so p001‘ that they lacked even a purse, g9 "WY hllflfl their stockings on the tr-“s Instead.

T716 ruse worked. St. Nicholas realized that he had overlooked a r-srtlcuiarlv needy section of the people. and on future occasions he filled the makeshift purses with the most valuable gifts of all,

And ever since! the Romania, say) boys and _glrls throuchout Christendom have adopted the same W» to rive a run. to Santa Claus. though the ruse ls now nracflggq by the rich as well as by the p907,

i

warn ‘many cnursrmnls"

still kept in memory by_ the Ro-

rhemseh‘ W"

Hod just settled our brains

The moon on the breast of

With a little old driver, so

More rapid than eagles his

"Now Dosher; now Dancer; On Comet! on, Cupid; on, i _ ]_ To the top of the porch! to _= -* So up to the housefop the

1

BefOfC Christmas-n clement 0. Moors

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when oll through the house Not o creature was stirring, not even o mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with core, In hopes that Sf. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While VISIOIIS of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And momma in her kerchief, and I in

rny cap, for u long winter's nap-

When ouf on the lawn there arose such a clutter, I sprung from my bed to see what was the- mutter.

Away to the window I flew like o flash, Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sosh.

the new fallen snow

Gave o lustre of mid-day to objects below When wl-lnf to my wondering eyes should appear But a mimolure sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

lively and quick,

I knew in o moment if must be Si. Nick.

coursers they came,

And he whisfled ond shouted, and culled them by name;

now Prancer and Vixen! Donder and Blilzen! ‘the fopbf the wall!

Now dosh away, dosh away! dosh away all!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

COIIISQIS they flew

V/ilh the sleigh full of toys-and Sf. Nicholas foo. I

I

His droll little mouth was drawn up like o bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pips he held light in his teeth,

And the smoke of it circled his head like u wreath. He had o brood face, and a little round belly

Thor shook when he laughed like o bowl full of_ ielly. He was chubby and plump-o right jolly old elf—‘ And I laughed when I sow him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his heod

Soon gave me f0 know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his y/ork And filled all the stockings; than furiyedwith a jerk, And laying his finger qridqvpf hisrnosc,

And givingr outed, ~ ugrflld ck Ha sprang to Ills sleigh, Qfo Itirfeom gave o whistle, And away they all flevi- like the clown of o thistle, ' But I heard him cxclcim, 'ere Ile drew out of sight, . "Happy Christmas to all! and to all o good-night!"

-I 7 .- Doorman 1s,‘ w...

And then in a twinkling I heard on the room

The prancing and pawing of each little booff

As-l drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney Sf. Nicholas come with o bound. He was dressed all in fur from his head to his fool, And his clothes were all furnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his buck,

And he looked like o peddler just opening his pack. _ His eyes-how they twinklad! his dimp|es——h..:. merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like o therry!

-., .4.

1

lhndyr'h‘s7ross.~"» -_ -

The Pot of Tar

(Continued on Page s) volunteered for the job. Natural- ly, your uncle didn't suspect any of his guests, so I volunteered to come as g footmau and watch the servants."

"I hadn't been two days in the house before realizing that Mrs. Mannlngieys diamonds werc the quarry, and I guessed the attempt would be made round about din- her-time some night when she wasn't wearing them. She'd be safely oui; of the way, you see. and I was pretty sure that the thief would use that very con- venient balcony and forcs the window.

“Last night, when I saw Mrs. Mnnningley wasn't wearing her

WILL .D0 LOTS 0F GOOD

ml snow flakes caressed the Isl-whom of Garth Mason and lingered at the window sills-q frame for holly-wreaths. Inside W"! 0M but Garth shattered happily. He stared through a window toward a distant light.

"31" hs 0118M to make the first move," Garth muttered sub. ‘bmnly- “"311!- Impelled by something stronger than will ‘Girl-h levied on his coat and

In the doorway of his "hard"

"elflhbor Garth paused self-con- sciously. “—Just brought --' chi-ism“;

eve, you know-ea little present-J’ he awkwardly extended a new pipe KIWI’ WIPPM- “Wanted to say, ‘Merry Christmas-J"

0111}! stowed. His hollow- s!" wwlv" had only partially risen‘ from his chair. John Clark was sick. Long the men talked. John had been haunted, too, by the old misunderstanding.

"Pelt that-if I could only lee Wu I'd get well." he faltered. Al- ready he looked improved.

Wllén Garth 10ft the ilgidq stretched before him in peaceful white. Above the cheery lights of his home a star shone with u". wavering calm. Garth smiled. — Clara Ages ‘Hays.

soon AND wn-sn ‘srors . FALL OI‘ CIIBIITMAI

- _ . ‘IIIINIIDLII

It's euy to stop the m] of Ohrlsttnu tree needles. law ofil a portion of the tree's hue- enough so the fresh wood will be ambled. 8st s shallow pan ‘of yitefbsneath the bass of the It". in which‘ the bus should in immersed. A tsuboonful "of men mould‘ be added to the water. ‘hunter provides new

- 4am Allllllii sugar nourishes the

eedi , guilt:

thfl li-tthflll O0

diamonds. I guessed the attempt wu going to be made. By that time I'd made pretty sure about the other servants, and I was fair- ly sure that the wrong ‘un would turn out to be one of the guests. . "So as soon as I'd dong wait- ‘lng at table I nipped out with a short ladder and tarred the rail (of the balcony, because I vvanfod his finger prints. _

"I'd hardly finished the job when along comes our friend Dailey- I'd hidden the ladder against the wall, but I had to leave the pot of tar ti’: the gnass border and pray that he wouldn't see It in the dark. He swarmed up the balcony like a cst. got In through the window. and was out again so quickly that I could hardly believe he'd done the job. ‘

"He'd made an excuse to other men. you see, to go and gel. a book and settle a bet. so he had to be pretty quick. The trouble was he found he'd not tar on his hands and cuffs. and he had to wash and change: and I cbuld only hope

|lie'd think he‘got that tar through {fumbling about in the garden. "Well. I W-‘nhed Mm go to the cucumber frame. and when he'd Iona I had a look round terns if the diamonds were safe. There they were under a flower-pot. and

tmy lord's finger prints all ever the " stay - .

glass. j lat the diamonds when they ma. It was the safelt

lplsce for tlmn. for I knew our , I

friend wouldfilt touch-Mm until all the fun lied died down. 8o f went back to m duties; but 1 found Tdfor "onl thing, thl pot of ' _